Avoid typical travel problems

A little forethought can keep the inconveniences to a minimum

One of the worst feelings for an airline passenger is to be the last person at the baggage carousel waiting for your luggage that you realize is not going to show up. It's just one of the many problems travellers face.

Photograph by: Scott Olson
, Getty Images

Travelling is not always about sunshine and roses. In fact, sometimes travellers wonder why they ever leave the comforts of home. So why do we keep travelling? Most travellers will say to get away from home for awhile. It is an interesting dilemma.

Experience has taught many travellers the importance of avoiding potential problems by knowing when and where they are most likely to occur. This gives them the advantage of being able to sidestep many problem areas and knowing what to accept if difficulties occur.

First on the list of possible problems are airport check-in procedures. I have been checking in for flights since 1961 and have either experienced or witnessed enough problems to know how to avoid most and accept the others. Avoidance is the best plan as chances are if it is left up to you and the company representative, you lose. I know of what I speak.

Web check-ins have minimized airport check-in problems. Passengers can now check in from the comfort of homes, offices or Internet shops using computers or mobile devices. Checking in online offers you the same options you would receive at the check-in counter without having to arrive so early and wait in shuffling line ups.

You can print your own boarding pass, select a seat, indicate the number of bags you are travelling with and even print your baggage tags. Once at the airport, take your bags to the baggage drop-off counter and you can proceed directly to the security gates.

Check with your airline or travel agent for a full description of the web check-in procedure. Most airlines accept web check-ins anytime within a 24-hour period before your departure time.

The boarding gate is another site for potential problems. The usual amount of anxious passengers seem to bring a general feeling of discontent caused by an uneasiness with flying. While trying to ignore this atmosphere with headphones or a book, it is import to pay attention to boarding announcements. Missing an announcement can mean missing your flight.

A business man contacted me and described how he had arrived at his boarding gate well in advance of his flight’s departure. He found himself a quiet corner in the departure lounge and proceeded to work on his computer. He was so engrossed in his work he missed the announcement for boarding.

When he realized what had happened, he rushed to the desk and asked to be boarded as the plane had not pulled away. He was denied as the agent said they had called his name twice and he had not come to the desk during the set boarding time. This was one of those times when rules, regulations and time restraints were all in the airline’s favour. The aircraft might still be at the gate but cockpit procedures and cabin departure readiness could have started.

Another boarding problem is with misconnecting flights. This is especially aggravating as it usually happens after or before long flights. It is also one where the passenger has little control of the situation so once again, the best option is to do all you can to avoid it.

Up to a few years ago, connecting time between flights were usually 60 up to 90 minutes depending on airports and now most airline have shorten this time to 30 or 45 minutes. Passengers are willing to book the close connection as long as it is a legal connection with the idea the airline will look after them if the connection is missed.

Many connecting flights are between partner airlines. Unfortunately for the traveller, these partnership are based on companies sharing seat allotments, costs, etc. and does not mean that both carriers have the same obligation to the other’s passengers.

The airline scheduled for the outbound flight decides how long to wait for connecting passengers based on information relayed by the incoming flight to airport authorities. These times can vary due to airport conditions and weather. Other factors can be that the outbound flight has a number of connections to make at its next destination. Holding a flight past its scheduled departure time for three connecting passengers when you have 40 connecting at its next stop is sometimes a factor not to wait.

Often passengers are given conflicting information between on-board personnel and airport staff. Usually the on-board personnel will be more positive with their advice for connecting as their responsibility is within the plane. It is often the airport staff that have to deal with boarding problems beyond their control.

Now, the solution. Don’t book close connections, even though they are permitted, unless you are prepared to spend another day and some extra cash. Most airlines will provide necessary overnight accommodation for missed connections but not meals.

Travelling on points means you are on your own for accommodation and meals if you miss connecting flights. I know of what I speak.

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One of the worst feelings for an airline passenger is to be the last person at the baggage carousel waiting for your luggage that you realize is not going to show up. It's just one of the many problems travellers face.

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